Information Analysis Training

Course

St. Catherine’s College, Cambridge

United Kingdom

13 – 17 December 2010
AFRICA-Analysis is an analysis and training organisation that specializes in the development of
analytic capacity in the public, development and peacekeeping environment. The Information
Analysis Training Course is part of our suite of specialized analysis and information product
courses, delivered by accomplished and experienced security and policy experts.

OVERVIEW

Information and Security Analysis has changed
fundamentally over the last 10 years. These
changes were precipitated by a range of factors
including high-profile intelligence and security
failures affecting governments, NGOs and the
United Nations such as the attacks on UN
facilities in Algiers, Somalia and Pakistan as well
as the killing and kidnapping of humanitarian
workers in conflict zones. This, together with the
emergence of a multi-actor environment with a
proliferation of armed groups has created a
dynamic, and complex environment in which
international organizations, NGOs, the public and
corporate sectors have to operate.
The Information Analysis Training (IAT)
Programme is a five-day course that
focuses on the production of analysis in a
multi-functional context, including inter-
agency NGO structures, peacekeeping,
humanitarian and political missions, national
security organizations, security managers and
multi-stakeholder emergency management.
environment; and skills to produce a variety of
analytic products in a multifunctional setting.
TRAINING METHODOLOGY
Our training philosophy is underpinned by:
1. The development of novel insights into
information analysis and coordination
2. The integration of theory and practice
3. Mastery through the appropriate mix of
lecturing, group and individual work
We make use of a wide range of training methods,
including:
• Lectures on theory, case studies and
techniques
• Study groups covering course-related readings
• Working groups conducting simulations

We focus on three primary elements crucial to • Individual assignments

the successful execution of analysis within this
• Field visits
context: an appreciation of knowledge and
analysis production in complex, dynamic • The use of IT in research and analysis
environments; techniques to construct high
quality analysis within the Open Source 2
 “the course provided us with the capacity
to transform the way in which we
operated…assisted management to make
strategic and operational decisions that
other organizations failed to make”
-WFP Security Manager

Political, security and humanitarian service delivery can no longer be

conducted in a stand-alone fashion, and Integration has become the
premise for effective and rapid delivery of core services or functions.
Similarly, analysis and policy research have become integrated functions,
drawing on capacities at different levels within, and across the
organizational spectrum

COURSE CONTENT

The course consists of three inter-related elements: the framework in which

analysis is done, specific analytic techniques, and skills to construct various analytic
products. In the course these elements are integrated through individual and group
exercises and simulations, culminating in a briefing on a real-life analytic challenge.

Day 1 -

Introduction to key concepts and issues in cognition and analysis

The politico-security information analysis system

Day 2 -

Analytic Techniques: Diagnostic, Contrarian and Imaginative analytic techniques

Scenarios as a tool of analysis and forecasting

Day 3 -

Open Source Intelligence and Social Network Analysis in complex environments.

Day 4 -

Analysis Production: types of products; constructing a good briefing; analysis in an

analytic team framework; dynamics in a multifunctional context.

Day 5 -

Reasoning and Logic in analysis

Presentation of participant analytic projects

Certificate Ceremony
3
 AFRICA-Analysis is a consultancy specializing in information analysis training,
political risk analysis, academic teaching, capacity building and process facilitation.
Our accomplished training team (profiled below) has worked in peacekeeping,
intelligence, diplomatic, humanitarian and academic institutions throughout the
world. We have conducted training for staff from International NGOs, United
Nations peacekeeping and special missions, World Food Programme, International
Criminal Court and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Andre ZAAIMAN

Andre is a former senior official in the Presidential Support Unit

that provides the South African Presidency with specialized,
strategic intelligence, served as a manager in the National
Intelligence Coordination Committee and is a Director of Ndibano,
a high-tech robotics company. Andre is involved in training
initiatives on the development of Critical Analysis with NGOs and
business in South Africa.

David AFRICA

David is a former counter-terrorism intelligence officer, worked as a

UN security analyst in Iraq and served as an adjunct-professor at
the Marshall Center for Security Studies in Germany. He has been a
visiting lecturer at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy. David has
been involved in the development of crisis management and early
warning analysis capability.

Registration and Fees

The Information Analysis Training course takes place at St. Catherine’s College at the
University of Cambridge from 13 to 17 December 2010. For further information and
registration details please contact Raisa Cole at events@africa-analysis.org or
telephone +2721 790 9976, with reference IAT 12-10. Registration for this course
closes on 20 November 2010. The course fee of £1950.00 includes tuition, college
accommodation and course material.